Originally Posted by
brotherdan
...I have a synthetic bag, which is a weight issue. It's only rated to 40 degrees F, so it's about as light as you can go with synthetics, but it's still a lot more than an equivalent down bag. I'll look for some deals on mountaineering websites in the next few months to see if I can get a good deal on something lighter...
...well as a pair of gaiters for off trail bushwhacking.
...I have an MSR Dragonfly, but I think I can save a lot of weight by going without any cooking gear at all...
I'm not willing to go without some tough hiking boots. Last summer I did a couple of weeks of backpacking with a lot of off trail travel. I only brought trail running shoes, and my feet were in agony for most of the trip...
A lot of this sounds good. You haven't really described the mountain part of your trip so it is hard to say what to carry for that. I am going to assume summer time in the Colorado Rockies with not a lot of technical...Not even an ice axe but still the possibility of being above tree line.
A couple of comments:
A down bag for below freezing should come in at about a pound or so. Mine is rated down to 0 F and has a gortex outer shell. Since you might end up in a bivy sack or wrapped in a tarp the waterproof/breathable shell is a good idea. Given the limited clothing you are carrying and that there will probably be no snow in which to dig a snow cave (you also won't have a shovel or ice axe, probably), the bag and bivy will be your last line of defense if you are caught in a storm so don't scimp on this. Also, carry a warm mountaineering hat that can't be blown off your head and warm gloves or mits.
Don't forget something to sterilize water with. The UV water treatment products like the SteriPEN might be useful here.
Unless you are doing a lot of glacier or snow then the boots are a place to save some weight. Tough does not necessarily mean heavy. I have used low-top (running shoe like hiking shoes) shoes for multi-day approaches for years...However, the cheaper ones cannot stand the punishment or be comfortable for rough packing cross country. Get better ones that support your feet and give them plenty of workout before you leave to make sure they cushion well.
If you need a higher boot for going over a lot of scree then try a light pair of leather Redwing boots. Believe it or not, I have used these even with (flexible, full 12 point) crampons for moderate (60 degree) technical (French technique) glacier travel on, for instance, the north slopes of Mt Shasta. Wouldn't do a water fall with them but they are as comfortable as bedroom slippers.